White Sox on verge of sweep

Assistant general manager Rick Hahn, the team's chief negotiator, flew Wednesday from Chicago to Florida to negotiate an extension that would keep Buehrle from being traded before the July 31 non-waiver deadline.

"I think everyone knows where my heart's at, where I want to stay and how badly I want to stay here," Buehrle said after the Sox mounted a late rally to help him earn a 5-3 win over Tampa Bay on Wednesday night and extend their winning streak to three games.

"If anyone has a question thinking I'm going to St. Louis after this season when I'm a free agent, if it gets to that point, they're wrong. I want to stay here and do everything I can to stay here."

Hahn was scheduled to meet with Jeff Berry, Buehrle's agent, who said earlier Wednesday he hadn't spoken with Sox officials and was surprised by reports a contract extension was imminent.

"Nothing's going on," Berry said. "Despite what has been [reported], I'm not sure where those reports are coming from."

Buehrle, who won his 102nd game with the Sox, can become a free agent after this season and would expect to receive a significant raise from his $9.5 million salary.

"If Buehrle was my kid, 'Hey, make your money,' " Guillen said before the game. "But Buehrle is my pitcher. I think he's going to sign. That's my hope, he's going to sign. But there are so many things in the middle. Hopefully, we sign him before we get to Chicago [Sunday night]. That's everybody's hope.

"The way both parties love each other, I think he will sign."

Buehrle said a report that he was close to a four-year, $50 million contract was premature.

"I guess I signed it," Buehrle deadpanned. "They must have drugged me last night, and I signed it."

There are several prickly issues that must be resolved. The Sox apparently are willing to give Buehrle, 28, a contract of more than three years because of his established durability.

But that debate could pale in comparison to what Buehrle should earn annually.

About a year ago, Buehrle rejected an offer that would have paid him $10 million in 2008 and $10.5 million in 2009, plus a club option. Since then, the free-agent market for pitchers has exploded, with Kansas City giving Gil Meche a five-year, $55 million deal and left-hander Barry Zito receiving $126 million over seven years from San Francisco.

The Major League Baseball Players Association is expected to monitor the negotiations because a Buehrle signing could have an impact on the market for left-handed pitchers this winter.

"The White Sox will try to sign him cheaper because they will save money," Guillen said. "The only thing Buehrle has to listen to his family, what they need and what they want. The family will be there forever and I don't think Buehrle will spend all that money."

But Guillen sensed both sides have an artificial deadline of Monday for reaching a deal, with the Sox likely to deal Buehrle if they can't reach an agreement.

"[General manager] Kenny Williams has a pretty powerful card," Guillen said. "The more he waits, the more interesting it will be. A lot of people like to have Buehrle, but if [he doesn't sign before we get to Chicago, then he has a great chance to [leave]."

Buehrle said: "I've seen a lot of rumors. I'm going one place, I'm signing. The new one is saying I'm going to retire tomorrow, so I have to deal with it."

Buehrle has been amused that his status is getting so much attention.

"Someone said that mine and Paris Hilton's names have been in the paper the most this last week," Buehrle said. "I don't know if that's a good thing."

The Sox (32-42) were in a playful mood after their comeback win despite striking out 10 times. Guillen raised a ticket stub after Andy Gonzalez became the 10th strikeout victim, which enabled fans to redeem their tickets for a free pizza.

And catcher A.J. Pierzynski, a wrestler of sorts, taunted professional wrestler Brian Knobbs, who was sitting behind the backstop, after the game.

Gonzalez had a game-tying single and Paul Konerko hit a two-run double to highlight a three-run eighth.